Built Review

Introduction:

ANT Miniatures recently made a leap into the 21st century by starting their own line of figures and accessories developed using CAD software and high-resolution 3D printer. The artist behind this line is Peter Samofalov, the man responsible for numerous accessories and all the figures in the Live Resin range. Peter's first figure design released under ANT Miniatures label is Assault Trooper with M240L Machine Gun and MICO Pack Ammo Can. Initially, the figure was produced in 1/35 scale (reviewed on Armorama: link), but the company also decided to offer a larger version of the same figure... a very welcomed move by ANT!

Review:

The kit is packed in a hard cardboard box which features CAD image of the figure. The box contains a zip-lock bag full of resin pieces, additionally protected in a bubble wrap. Upon first inspection, the parts are perfectly cast in grey resin and the level of details is stunning... the 1/35 scale figure was impressive and its larger 1/16 scale counterpart is even more remarkable. Here's a list of the parts included in this set:

Altogether, the kit contains 40 pieces plus a resin base. This figure is designed in the same way as its 1/35 scale version; it features a modular concept with the main figure parts and all the equipment pieces provided separately. Although it makes cleanup and assembly a bit more complex, modular concept also enables modelers to customize the figure to their own preferences.

The figure represents a M240 machine gunner with MICO Assault Pack, posed in a well-balanced action posture, deploying suppressive fire. The garb and gear sculpted on the figure qualifies him as a Special Forces operator. The figure wears flame-resistant Army Combat Shirt (ACS) and Army Combat Pants (ACP) produced by Massif. His Generation II Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) is fitted with Deltoid Auxiliary Protective Shoulder Pads and the figure also sports Ballistic Groin Protection. As for the equipment, the main feature of this figure is definitely a large MICO Machine Gunner’s Assault Pack. It consists of a large square backpack covered in PALS webbing, an additional backpack module, and custom suspension system with adjustable waist belt and shoulder straps. The feed chute comes out of the side of the pack, is covered with Cordura to prevent the entrance of debris, and attaches to weapon feed via an adapter. The other equipment in this kit comprises of a small utility pouch, twin pistol mag pouch, radio pouch with AN/PRC-148 MBITR, Peltor PTT and a Serpa holster securing the figure’s secondary weapon clipped to IOTV upper chest. Two helmets are included in this set, Airframe and uncovered MICH, with 2 different strobe lights and GPNVG-18 night vision system.

The figure is armed with M240L, a lightweight version of the standard M240 machine gun. The weapon features Picatinny rails for attaching the accessories on upper receiver and the handguard. The M240 accessories included in this kit are two optical sights (Trijicon 6x48 ACOG and Raytheon AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight), Meyers Glare Mout Visible Green Laser, bipod, carrying handle and suppressor.

The sculptor did an amazing job on the figure and, although I already have this miniature in the smaller form, the 1/16 scale version still managed to impress me offering far more details than its 1/35 scale counterpart. All these details are incredibly sharp and replicated to the highest standard: the Velcro patches feature realistic texture, the PALS loops are well defined, the specific shape of two helmets are perfectly delivered, the GPNVGs are incredibly detailed, the M240L is a gem… wherever you look, this figure really is a work of art.

Assembly:

As mentioned previously, this kit consists of 40 pieces and although it might seem as a complex build at first, the figure actually goes together without any major issues. The main body parts feature protrusions and indentations which help in aligning the pieces correctly. The fit of these pieces is perfect and I didn't have to do any additional putty work. Please note that I did not fix the right arm to the torso just yet, as I wanted to test the fit of the weapon before actually gluing the piece. The equipment was added next; MICO pack with additional pack module and MBITR pouch, utility and pistol mag pouch, M9 in Serpa holster and PTT system. The first assembly steps are shown on photos 1-2.

The kit includes two helmets; I chose to follow the box art image and use MICH for my build. I also decided to assemble the GPNVG-18, a 4-piece affair which is not for the faint hearted... an Optivisor should provide a very welcomed help with the assembly, as well as for attaching the device, its battery pack and the strobe to the helmet. The finished helmet (with an addition of wire microphone boom) is shown on photos 3-4.

The M240L and all the weapon accessories supplied in this kit can almost make a separate model. Two magnifying scopes are included in the kit, and I decided to go with the AN/PAS-13. The scope is assembled using 4 pieces, a bit of overkill if you ask me, but I have to admit the end result is very impressive. I also added the Glare Mout laser, bipod and carrying handle, and then fixed the MICO chute adapter to weapon feed tray. The fully assembled weapon is shown on photos 5-6.

I cut the weapon's handgrip and dry fitted it to the right hand to ensure a correct placement. I had to cut the trigger guard in order to get the trigger finger aligned. Although this gap would have to be repaired using thin styrene, I did not find any other way to secure the weapon correctly to the right hand. After positioning the right arm with the weapon on the torso, a bit of dry fitting was needed to adjust the left hand grip the weapon properly. The chute is fitted to the weapon and the MICO pack, and finally the head is attached to the torso. The complete figure is shown on photos 7-20.

The only extra thing this kit needs is the radio communication wiring. This is easily added using thin brass wire.

Conclusion:

Assault Trooper with M240L Machine Gun and MICO Pack Ammo Can (120-707) from ANT Miniatures is definitely one of the best 1/16 scale figures I have in my stash. Produced using 3D software and rapid prototyping technology, the figure is perfectly cast with loads of details wonderfully delivered in resin. Although the kit consists of 40 pieces, assembling the figure is not difficult… due to the very intelligent engineering of the main pieces, the fit is impressive and the figure builds without any problems.

Priced at about 60EUR, the figure might seem expensive at first, but after seeing what you get in this kit I would say it is well worth the investment.

SUMMARY

Highs: Everything about this figure is top-class… It is nicely posed, well delivered in resin with great fit of pieces and loads of details all around. Definitely one of the best large scale figures produced in 2015.Lows: With about 40 pieces, the assembly of the figure is a bit complex. Verdict: Highly recommended.

Our Thanks to ANT Miniatures!This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

You wonder how did this addiction start? I was a kid when my dad broght home a 1/72 Concord airplane; we built it together as well as couple of other airplanes after that. This phase was just pure fun: glue, paint, decals in no particular order... everything was finished in a day or two. Then I disc...

Comments

Nice review, Mario! The figure is fantastic! I waited and opted for buying the 1/16 version instead of the 1/35 version, but both scales look incredible.
The MICOgunner is by far one of the most state-of-the-art modern U.S. Special Forces figures on market today! The NVGs, MICO pack, and M240L really make it special. Hooray for ANT and Peter Samofalov!

I know this already since I have figures of both scales, but what a difference between 1/35 and 1/16 scale!
That is why I am becoming a fan of 1/24 and 1/20 figures although there's hardly any in (modern) military subjects, but they do exist in Sci-Fi and civilian figures. 1/24 and 1/20 scale is not too big and not too small with a price that's pretty good in-between the 1/35 and 1/16 scales.